Description: Starting from the John R. Bettis Landing you can go south toward the spillway and do an approximately 1.8 mile.loop and return. This area is good for fishing, especially for bluegills and speckled perch (crappie). You can also go north for an out and back of approximately 6.2 miles where you may see an abundance of birds, especially wading birds. A short distance from the landing is an area of trees, which provide nesting for snowy egrets and ibis during season. Small alligators may also be encountered throughout this area.

This is an open body of water with very little protection from the wind, so if high winds are present, inexperienced paddlers may want to reconsider this trip.

Length: 8.0 miles. (both loops)

Fees: No fee.

Access Points:
Mileage and GPS coordinates are approximate and for reference only.

Mile 0 (GPS N 32.8567 W 79.8737) ­ John R. Bettis Landing ­ From Exit 209 on I­26 in Charleston, drive east on Ashley Phosphate Road to Rivers Ave. (US 52/US 78). Turn right and at Trident Technical School, left onto Mabelene Road. At the end of Mabelene turn right onto Railroad Ave. and drive about one block and then turn left onto Bettis Boat Ramp Road. The landing is at the end of the road.

Mile 0.9 (GPS N 32.9460 W 80.0277) ­ Narrows.

Mile 2.6 (GPS N 32.9652 W 80.0353) ­ Narrows.

Mile 3.2 (GPS 32.9723 W 80.0371) ­ Turnaround.

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Camping: No camping.

Information: The Berkeley Conservation District, PO Box 6122, Moncks Corner, SC 29461 Telephone: 843-719-4049, or http://www.berkeleyblueways.com/about.htm. For water levels call Santee Cooper at 1­800­925­2537.

 South Carolina State Trails Program
South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
1205 Pendleton Street :: Columbia, SC 29201 :: 803-734-0173 
Updated July 16, 2007
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